In the formation of church, the role of catechists is indispensable. The book “THAVEETHU SUNDARANANTHM” narrates the life, ministry, and the death of the first martyr of Tirunelveli, David (Thaveethu) Sundarantham, who served as a catechist. Even at a young age, he was instrumental in the construction of numerous churches and the creation of many Christian villages. He ultimately laid down his life as the first native martyr of Tirunelveli.
This book was originally penned in Tamil in 1976, and has been republished in 2022 through the collaborative efforts of the Christian Historical Society and the congregation of the St. Michael and all Angels Church, Mudalur. Professor Reverend D.A. Chirstudoss, the author of this book, has brought out some interesting episodes of the catechist David’s life in a simple style which can be understood by everyone. Moreover it is written in a lively and exciting manner using the colloquial language of the area. The author has skillfully crafted the historical aspects and providing profound insights into the formation of churches, even amidst challenging times.
Recognizing the immense value that translating the book into English could offer to the younger generations of our churches, Dr. Nirmala Thangaraj has undertaken the significant task of translating this book into English. Dr. Nirmala Thangaraj is the daughter of Dr. George Muller, who was the founder principal of Pope's College in Sawyerpuram.
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Prof. Rev. D. A. Christadoss, Dr. Mrs. Nirmala Thangaraj
Rev. Devanesan Azariah Christadoss was born on 25th March 1912 to Rev. S.V. Devadasen and Thaiammal. To understand him better, one should first revisit his family legacy.
Rev. D.A. Christadoss’s great grandparents were Narayana and Parvati, natives of Kovaikulam who became Christians in 1840. After baptism, Narayana became Gnanayutham and Parvathi became Packiam. Gnanayutham (Narayana) had two sons, the younger was Rev. D.A. Christadoss’ grandfather, Vedamanickam. Vedamanickam had seminary training and married Ellen, a convert in 1857. Vedamanickam served as a catechist in Adaikalapuram from 1866 to 1876, and was ordained in 1876. After his ordination, he served as assistant pastor in Palayamkottai and later transferred to Parpillankulam in 1877. Unfortunately he died there of cholera in 1885, contracting the disease from an old woman parishioner, whom he had ministered the whole night, while others shied away in fear. Sadly, though he saved the old woman’s life, he lost his own from the deadly disease. In those days, Cholera was a dreaded plague and people including several young British soldiers lost their lives. Many villages were deserted in panic. Rev. Vedamanickam was 50 years old when he died. After Rev. Vedamanickam’s death, Bishop Sargent took his widow, Ellen, to Palayamkottai and appointed her as a Bible Woman.
